Dear Lando - Book Two

𝟸𝟷 ♡ Merry-Go-Round of Life

Merry-Go-Round of Life By Joe Hisaishi

Singapore wrapped up smoothly, and with barely a breath in between, the world of Formula 1 shifted gears and flew straight to Japan for the next race in a doubleheader stretch.

The media had already picked up on Lana's paddock appearances with Lando, and it hadn't taken long for fans to recognize Lando as the man from her recent photos. Despite not posting anything new since then, Lana couldn't help but snoop through the gossip pages, half-amused and half-embarrassed by the speculations. Most commenters denied any romance, suggesting they were just friends since she already had family on the grid.

After a seven-hour flight with some of the quieter drivers, Lana and Lando arrived in Japan without a hitch. The two settled into their hotel room, slipping into a familiar routine like they'd had in Singapore. Only this time, a note lay on the bed, addressed to them both.

Curious, Lana picked it up and read:

Dear Lana and Lando,

Since you two are incapable of showing the world you're dating, we thought we'd give you a little boost.

Reservations at 7:30 PM.

Sincerely,

Aria + Charlotte (Your favorite managers)

P.S. TAKE PHOTOS!!

With an exasperated groan, Lana tossed the note back onto the bed. She called out to her partner, "Our favorite managers made us a dinner reservation tonight."

Lando's head appeared from around the bathroom door, a skeptical look on his face. "Why?"

"We're apparently 'not doing a good enough job selling this thing.'"

After changing into fresh clothes, Lana and Lando made their way to the hotel entrance. The buzz of voices from outside grew louder, and as they neared the glass doors, Lana's nerves prickled. She glanced up at Lando, hesitating to ask, but he caught the look in her eyes, rolled his own with a playful grin, and casually slipped his arm around her shoulders. It felt natural—warm, even—but she brushed off the thought as they stepped out onto the crowded sidewalk.

The second they appeared, a chorus of voices erupted. Fans and media alike surged forward, cameras flashing and voices mixing in a chaotic symphony of shouts. The crowd jostled for attention, some yelling for Lando to sign autographs, others calling out to Lana, hoping for a photo.

"Lando! Over here!" a fan screamed, waving a homemade sign with his name.

"Lana! Are you and Lando official?" a reporter from the front line called, mic extended, eyes wide with excitement.

A few fans held up their phones, asking for selfies, and Lando, ever the sport, flashed a charming grin and gave a quick wave. "One second, everyone, we're on our way out for dinner!" he called, deflecting with ease, though he pulled Lana closer in a gesture that seemed more protective than anything.

Lana leaned in, muttering under her breath with a smirk, "Starting to get the hang of this, aren't you?"

"Fake dating expert," he whispered back, making her stifle a laugh as they wove through the press.

But the questions kept coming.

"Lana! How long have you two been together?" shouted a photographer, snapping away as he leaned over the barrier.

Lana glanced at Lando, a playful glint in her eye. She raised her voice just enough for the fans nearest to hear, "Long enough to put up with him!"

The fans around them laughed, and Lando shot her a look, feigning a wounded expression before breaking into a grin. It felt unexpectedly fun, this playful back-and-forth, the crowd feeding off their energy.